JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Salvia greggii( NAVAJO BRIGHT RED, NAVAJO SERIES) PPAF
Plant Common Name
Autumn Sage
General Description
The free-flowering Navajo Bright Red has a tidy compact habit and offers lovely cherry red flowers in the heat of summer. This popular ornamental Salvia originates from Texas and Mexico, so it’s tough and tolerant of arid conditions.
Soft green, lightly fragrant leaves cover this plant through most of the season. The foliage is evergreen where winters are mild and semi-evergreen at its northernmost hardiness zones. Clear, cherry red flowers brighten its stems throughout the growing season. The tubular blooms have dark calyces, prominent flared lower lips and are borne in small, loose clusters. They are prolific and highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Drought tolerant and tough, autumn sage is easy to grow if provided with full sun and well-drained, average soil. It requires minimal maintenance but looks better if occasionally shaped and cut back. This will encourage heavier blooming too. Its bright flowers are super pollinator attractants and add color to containers and sunny mixed beds. In northern zones autumn sage may be grown as a tender perennial.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm
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Width
15"-20" / 38.1cm - 50.8cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Texas, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Crimson
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
